Re: Value of Java

On Fri, 3 Jan 2003, John Furniss wrote:
>
> My boss wants to know the value of having us (two programmers) learn
> Java.
>

That depends on a lot on your environment and what your programmers are
already familiar with.

My experience is that learning new programming languages helps me to
expand my mind.  It gives me a more well-rounded approach to programming.
Even if I never use the language again.  Just the fact that I've learned
new ways of looking at things, and more different angles about what
computers can do is extremely beneficial to me.   Immeasurably so, in
fact.

> What are the benefits? Quicker development time?

Depends on what you're developing.   If you're developing a GUI or
graphical application it'd be quicker to develop in Java than RPG.
Writing a green-screen application, or a plain-text report would not be,
however.  I like RPG's database operations better.

> Quicker running apps?

In raw execution speed, RPG is faster.   MI is faster than RPG.  Is that
really important to you?  It shouldn't be.

> Are most iSeries shops programming in Java?

No, it's been my experience that most iSeries shops are still running
RPG/400, and are not really interested in upgrading to newer technologies.
I didn't do a formal survey, however.


The benefits to Java over RPG are (IMHO):

    1)  Cross-platform.   Java programs, without recompiling, can run
           on almost any platform.  (However, you have to program for
           the "lowest common denominator", which can be a pain.)
    2)  Added capabilities.   RPG doesn't have built-in support for many
           things that Java does.   GUI controls, XML, Zip files, are
           some examples.
    3)  Wide varieties of add-in libraries for Java...   Because it's
           used on all platforms, you're not limited to just the software
           released by IBM or a few 3rd party iSeries vendors.  The code
           created by Windows and Unix developers is also available to
           you.  (Which is really part of that cross-platform thing)
    4)  As time progresses, more Java developers are graduating from
           school than RPG developers.
    5)  That whole thing about being a better programmer that I
           explained before.

Some things to think about, anyway.